Great Craft Ideas

Instructions Step 1: Cut off the top Cut off the top of the bottle, at the top of the bottle’s smooth section, to make an even edge about 3 inches above where the fluted rim will be. TIP: Use a green bottle for accented color. Step 2: Cut strips Wrap the measuring tape around the …

Instructions : Children under 12 should not use the rocket without adult supervision. Step 1: Put on the o-ring Push one end of the 1/2-inch pipe all the way in to one of the bottles. Pull it out 1/4 inch, and trace the opening of the bottle on the PVC. Remove the bottle, file a …

Instructions : Wear gloves when adding chemicals, as they may cause serious burns. Step 1: Cut fabric Cut a piece of flannel fabric 8 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches, and fold it in half with the short sides of the fabric together. Step 2: Sew the sides Sew the 2 opposite open sides together …

Instructions Step 1: Sand the wood Sand the wood to allow the paint to stick. Use a fine-grit sandpaper. Smooth corners and uneven areas to create a distressed look. TIP: Use an electric sander to make the process easier. Step 2: Add marks Add dents and scratches using a hammer, screwdriver, and chisel to give …

Instructions Step 1: Form a bundle of grass Dampen a pencil-thick bundle of dried marsh grass. Step 2: Wrap the end of the bundle with raffia Tie raffia to one end of the bundle and wrap the loose end around the bundle about 10 times as you move up its length. Leave a small gap …

Instructions Step 1: Consider fabric Consider the fabric you’ll be working with. Create or buy a swatch book with different textiles in a variety of weights and colors to see how they look with various paints. TIP: Beginners should start with 100 percent cotton fabric with a high thread count. Step 2: Use textile paint …

Instructions Step 1: Spray your Styrofoam ball Spray the Styrofoam ball with silver spray paint. This will help disguise any small gaps when you apply the mirror pieces. TIP: Glass, plastic, and rubber balls can also be used. Step 2: Glue the mirror pieces Start in the middle of the ball. Glue the mirror pieces …

Instructions Step 1: Pick a place Pick a place to set up the project that will let you modify it without any problems, and will be out of the way of foot traffic. Step 2: Make the track Make the track. Different coasters are made out of different materials. Plastic tubing, metal wire, copper tubing, …

Instructions Step 1: Lay down a tarp Protect your floor by spreading a tarp under the piece you will be stripping, unless you are stripping the floor itself. Protect yourself by putting on protective eyewear, clothes that cover all of your skin, and gloves. Make sure you are working either outside or in an area …

Instructions Step 1: Choose decorative towels Choose towels that have an interesting pattern, design, or color to make your cake visually appealing. Step 2: Make the base Fold the large towels in half lengthwise and roll one of them loosely. Use pins to secure the second folded towel to the end of the first and …

Instructions Step 1: Thread the hook Thread both pieces of cord through the hook, keeping the center of each strand at the hook, pulling at the center of each cord so that you have four ends. TIP: To hold the hook steady, place a tack into a wall and secure the lanyard hook to the …

Instructions : Always wear protective eye covering and take all necessary precautions when using welding equipment. Step 1: Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website for an in-depth description of training and skill qualifications for the welding profession. Step 2: Learn common welder jargon Learn welding jargon by …

Instructions Step 1: Measure the shape Measure your shape with a tape measure or ruler and mark it with a pencil. New Plexiglas sheets are typically covered with protective paper. Try to leave as much paper as possible on the Plexiglas to minimize scratching. Step 2: Prepare to cut the Plexiglas Put on your safety …

Instructions : Wear rubber gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection when working with commercial cleaning compounds. Step 1: Clean the surface Remove any dirt, oil, or grease from the surface of the copper object. They will interfere with the chemical action of the aging solution. TIP: Use a commercial chemical metal cleaner such as trisodium …

Instructions Step 1: Straighten the clip Pull the smaller bend from inside the larger bend in the paper clip, straightening the bend closer to the small bend. Then unbend the shorter end, so that your paper clip looks like an umbrella handle. Step 2: Make the clasp Lay the clip flat and use the pliers …

Instructions Step 1: Set up jig Set up the jig to make the chandelier frame. A jig is a flat base with moveable pegs that you wrap wire around to create different shapes. Position four pegs in a diamond shape. Step 2: Add peg Add a peg, aligned between the bottom and side peg. Add …

Instructions Step 1: Iron the bandanna Smooth the bandanna over an ironing board and press gently with an iron to remove any wrinkles. Step 2: Measure the bandanna Measure 8 inches from each corner with the ruler. Then tie a knot at each corner at that point. Make sure the knots are tight. TIP: Use …

Instructions Step 1: Focus on the type of jewelry that you want to make Focus on the type of jewelry that you want to make. Bracelets, rings, necklaces, and brooches can be made from varieties of stones and metals. If you can’t decide, take an introductory class for an overview. Step 2: Visit jewelry magazine …

Instructions Step 1: Bend with plier Determine whether your jewelry-making will involve bending. Round-nose pliers are used to bend curves and make loops and chain-nose pliers form right angles. Choose pliers with thin tips. Step 2: Add wire cutters Add wire cutters if you will be working with metal wire. Flush cutters are precise wire …

Instructions Step 1: Obtain permission Obtain permission for making gravestone rubbings from cemetery authorities. Then show respect by learning and following cemetery rules. Step 2: Choose a headstone Choose a headstone in good condition with clearly cut lines, but not deep lines, for the best results. TIP: Examine headstones carefully for signs of cracks and …

Instructions Step 1: Hang a picture Use soda tabs as hangers for your family portrait or other pictures. Screw a soda tab to the back of the frame and your picture is ready to hang. TIP: Make sure you wash the soda tabs before using. Step 2: Use as a button Replace the lost button …

Instructions : Always make incense in a well-ventilated area with no open flames. Step 1: Combine oils Create your fragrance by combining your essential oils or perfume oils. TIP: Be creative; try to develop something entirely unique. Step 2: Combine fragrance and alcohol Combine 1/3 part of your fragrance mixture with 2/3 parts of denatured …

Instructions Step 1: Measure sides Use a ruler to measure the five sides of your tissue box, excluding the bottom, and add 1/4 inch to each side for the seam. Step 2: Cut out sides from fabric Cut out each side of your fabric with a pair of scissors and then measure and cut out …

Instructions : Children under 10 should not use a utility knife. Step 1: Gather action figures Gather several plastic action figures. Get a variety and experiment to see which ones work best. TIP: Yard sales and flea markets are great places to find inexpensive action figures. Step 2: Behead them! Pop the heads off of …

Instructions Step 1: Soak the bark Soak the birch bark in water until it becomes pliable. You may need to soak it overnight. TIP: Use bark from a dead tree to avoid damaging a tree that is still living. Step 2: Trim the bark Trim the bark to a square or rectangular shape with a …

Instructions Step 1: Put the felt on the block Wrap your small block of wood in a small piece of felt and use your staple gun to staple the felt to the wood. This will create a pad for your sanding block. Step 2: Add sandpaper to the block Wrap the felt-covered wood block with …

Instructions Step 1: Set a retrieval date Set a retrieval date 10 to 50 years from the time of storage, when the capsule will be recovered. Or, you can leave it longer for future generations to open. Step 2: Choose a container Choose a container. For a time capsule to be retrieved after 25 years …

Instructions Step 1: Mix vinegar and water Mix three parts white vinegar to one part warm water in a bowl. Step 2: Clean the stone Clean the stone with a stiff-bristled brush and the vinegar solution. TIP: If the stone was previously painted, you will need to use a commercial paint remover before cleaning to …

Instructions Step 1: Step 1. [Decide what you want to do] Conceive of ideas for jewelry so that you narrow your search for materials. Decide if you are doing this for fun or profit, as this will impact the quality of stones and cost you incur. Step 2: Find beading needles Find beading needles; the …

Instructions Step 1: Set up workspace Place a piece of poster board on a desk or workspace to catch spills. Use a desk lamp in addition to any overhead lighting. TIP: A lighted headband magnifier is a helpful tool if you plan on doing several miniatures. Step 2: Examine and remove imperfections Clamp your miniature …

Instructions Step 1: Pick the image and print it Select the image you want to screen print. In an image manipulation program on your computer, make the image black and white. Print it, making sure the image is not bigger than the embroidery hoop. TIP: Start with a simple image that will be easy to …

Instructions Step 1: Keep fabric in mind Keep your fabric and design in mind. You may want smaller, finer brushes if you’re painting on silk. You can use larger brushes for linen or cotton. Step 2: Consider the tip Consider both flat and round-tip natural boar bristle brushes in a variety of sizes to achieve …

Instructions : If you use chemicals to age brass, wear gloves that completely cover your hands, and safety glasses. Work in a well-ventilated room. Step 1: Remove any varnish Remove any varnish from the surface of the object by applying acetone with a brush. Rinse off the acetone with hot water. TIP: If you are …

Instructions Step 1: Pour sand into jar Make your own beach in a bottle by pouring sand through a funnel into a clean, dry, empty glass jar. TIP: Use enough sand to cover the bottom of the jar. Step 2: Place shells inside jar Drop the shells and pebbles inside the jar. Step 3: Glue …

Instructions : Live elderberry tree branches are poisonous. Never put green elderberry branches in your mouth. Step 1: Cut a dead elderberry branch Cut a dead branch from an elderberry tree with pruning shears or a saw. The branch should be 9 to 12 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. TIP: Try to locate …

Instructions Step 1: Create the outer design Draw a large square on the board or directly on the table’s surface. Draw another square inside the first, slightly smaller than the first. Step 2: Build the inner design Draw a circle inside the inner square and then, working from the center of the first circle, draw …

Instructions Step 1: Pick a plate and vase Pick a plate with colors that match your taste and a square shaped vase. TIP: Use a plate that is mostly flat. Step 2: Place the plate in plastic bag Place the plate into a strong plastic bag and seal the bag. Step 3: Break plate In …

Instructions Step 1: Choose a base Cut a piece of fiberboard to the desired size and shape of your mosaic base. Step 2: Design a pattern Draw a detailed design on the piece of board. TIP: Photocopy a design you like onto tracing paper and trace the pattern onto your base. Step 3: Choose colorful …

Instructions Step 1: Make a circle Arrange the six matching buttons in a circle, flat side up, with the edges touching. Place a dot of glue on each button nearest to the center of the circle. TIP: Hot glue or regular craft glue won’t work. Step 2: Affix large button Affix the large button in …

Instructions Step 1: Bring to boil Bring the water to a boil and add a few drops of food coloring. Step 2: Mix ingredients Mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large bowl. Step 3: Remove pot Remove the pot from the heat and add the oil. Step 4: Mix ingredients Carefully …

Instructions : Lye is a hazardous chemical. Never mix lye with aluminum. Wear safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and a vapor-resistant mask when using lye. Step 1: Distress the wood Distress the wood by beating the surface with a chain, rock, keys, or other implement that will scar the surface. TIP: Lye will also change wood’s …

Instructions Step 1: Determine screw length Decide how many keys you want on the keychain to determine the length of the screw you will be purchasing. Step 2: Take keys Take your keys to your local hardware store and purchase a Chicago screw that will fit through the keychain holes in your keys. TIP: If …

Instructions Step 1: Make coaster Impress your friends with a CD coaster. Decorate it with a sticker with your own personal design. TIP: Purchase supplies at your local craft store. Step 2: Apply sticker Apply the sticker to the shiny side of the CD. Cut a 3½-inch circle out of transparent contact paper and apply …

Instructions Step 1: Gather coffee cans Wash two large coffee cans and remove the lids. TIP: Juice and tomato cans work as well, as long as they are made of sturdy metal and are clean inside. Step 2: Punch holes Punch two holes directly across from each other into the bottom of each can using …

Instructions Step 1: Select a tree branch Find a dead tree and cut a branch that is roughly the size of the object you intend to make TIP: Hardwoods are best for objects without much detail; softwoods are better for greater detail. Step 2: Remove the bark Remove the bark and outer growth from the …

Instructions Step 1: Place steel wool in a jar Place a piece of steel wool with no soap on it in one of the glass jars. TIP: Make sure you are using real steel wool, not synthetic. Step 2: Pour vinegar into the jar Pour white vinegar into the jar, covering the steel wool completely. …

Instructions Step 1: Set out the chopsticks Set out the chopsticks, unseparated, next to one another, alternating wide ends to tapered ends, to form a rectangle. Step 2: Lay out the design Lay out the final design by pulling out the wide ends of the chopsticks about three inches from the top and bottom. This …

Instructions Step 1: Prepare your workspace If you’re inside, make sure your work space is well ventilated and free of dust. Lay down newspaper to protect the floors. If working outdoors, choose a spot where wind will not blow dust and debris onto your freshly varnished surface. Step 2: Prepare your surface Give the wood …

Instructions Step 1: Collect plastics bags Collect at least 30 clean plastic bags, and cut off the handles and bottom seams from each one. TIP: Do not use biodegradable bags that will shred over time. Step 2: Layer rectangles Layer six to eight of the new rectangles on top of each other on your ironing …

Instructions Step 1: Cut the corks Cut each of the corks crosswise to create five to six one-quarter-inch-thick discs. Step 2: Lay out pattern Lay out six discs in a hexagonal pattern, with two discs next to each other at the top, one on either side, and two at the bottom. Step 3: Glue Place …

Instructions Step 1: Attach jump ring Use the pliers to attach a jump ring to each end of the watch faces. Step 2: Measure ribbon Measure a piece of ribbon by wrapping it around your wrist and adding two inches, and then cut it in half. Step 3: Attach choker clasp Fold the edge of …

Instructions Step 1: Cut and sand pipe Cut the PVC pipe with the hacksaw so that it is 30 inches long. Sand the edges and the length of the pipe until it is smooth, and put a small piece of duct tape on either end of the pipe. Step 2: Cut the noodle Cut the …

Instructions Step 1: Put the sock on your hand Put the sock on your hand with your fingers in the toe and your wrist at the heel of the sock. Step 2: Make a mouth shape with your fingers Touch your fingertips to your thumbtip inside the sock and push the fabric between them to …

Instructions Step 1: Cut out the cups Cut out and discard the row of cups that hold the eggs and save the middle strip of cones that separate the rows of eggs. Step 2: Separate into individuals Cut the strip into individual cones. There will be five cones per carton of a dozen eggs. TIP: …

Instructions : Always wear safety goggles when operating power tools, and wear a dust mask while sanding. Step 1: Select sandpaper Choose a sandpaper grit that works for your project. The rougher the wood, the coarser paper you should use. TIP: Start with a medium grit like number 80, which can remove scratches and dents. …

Instructions Step 1: Wash and dry Wash glass jars in hot, soapy water and let them air dry. Step 2: Make templates Cut templates out of poster board in decorative shapes such as stars, half-moons, or hearts. Or buy ready-made templates from craft stores. Step 3: Cut out shapes Use the templates to outline the …

Instructions Step 1: Trace and cut pattern Place the hanger flat on the tissue paper and trace it, leaving a gap for the hook and adding a quarter-inch to the top two sides and two inches to the bottom to allow for a seam. Cut out the pattern. TIP: Keep the pattern so it can …

Instructions Step 1: Choose an album Choose an album. Then do a quick internet search of the title to make sure you don’t melt a rare LP that’s worth big bucks. Step 2: Preheat oven Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. : Do not exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or the record will release toxic …

Instructions Step 1: Disassemble the keyboard Flip the keyboard over, and unscrew the screws holding it together. Remove the top of the keyboard from the bottom. TIP: PC keyboards work best, since you can open most of them with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Macs generally require a tiny Allen wrench that can be hard to find. …

Instructions Step 1: Put on his hat Take the toe piece and put it on his head, pulling his ears through the slits. Step 2: Go for a walk Take him for a walk so he can show off his spiffy new outfit. Step 3: Remove the top Cut off the top of the sock, …

Instructions Step 1: Paint them Channel your inner Jackson Pollock by splattering on some fabric paint. You could also design a picture or write your own message to the world. Step 2: Tie-dye them Tie-dye it; this 60s fad never goes out of style. Step 3: Change the sleeves Snip off the sleeves for an …

Instructions Step 1: Pick stencils Decide what you want to engrave on your glasses. Names or initials? A word like ‘Cheers’? A design? Type search words like ‘monogram,’ ‘alphabet,’ and ‘stencils’ into a search engine, and print out what you like. Step 2: Size them Via a photo-editing web site or with simple software, resize …

Instructions Step 1: Find a floppy Get your hands on an old floppy disk—one that contains metal parts, not plastic. Step 2: Remove the metal Crack open the floppy disk; the rectangular metal part will break away easily. Then peel away the part of the disk surrounding the round metal center. Reserve both metal parts …

Instructions Step 1: Choose the items you want to display The best shadow boxes revolve around a theme, so choose items that relate to each other. TIP: To add visual interest, pick mementos that vary in shape, size, and color. Step 2: Buy a shadow box Shadow boxes come in many different sizes. At your …